THE South Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group is urging residents to use local pharmacists instead of hospitals if they have caught winter bugs like flu.

The group are concerned that people are burdening hospitalsA&E departments with minor ailments and are advising people with winter bugs to exercise ‘common sense’.

A SCCCG spokeswoman said: “A&E services are there to treat people with serious injuries or life threatening situations and not for minor cases, we strongly urge people to use local services rather than going to A&E for minor illnesses. The holiday period is best spent with friends and family – and not at your local A&E department, be wise about which health service you choose.

“With Christmas behind us, it is easy not to find enough time to look after yourself. But when you feel unwell a simple visit to your high-street pharmacy could make all the difference, your pharmacy can give you useful advice on how to deal with winter bugs, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, the winter vomiting bug and the flu. People can also call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 to get advice.

“Visitors to our local hospitals are being asked for their help in tackling winter bugs, which can lead to hospital wards being unable to accept any new admissions, NHS staff going off sick and appointments being postponed. “We need people to help us keep our services running as normal, and there are some really basic steps they can take.

“If you have been sick or had diarrhoea within the last 48 hours then please do not visit the hospital.

“Symptoms such as sickness and diarrhoea can be best treated by staying at home, drinking plenty of fluids and getting some rest. Advice is available from your local high-street pharmacist, to find your local NHS services go to www.southcheshireccg.nhs.uk/ local-services/practices.”

The spokesman added: “South Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group is backing the Choose Well campaign, which reinforces the message that A&E and 999 services are for life-threatening and serious conditions.”